What is emancipation and how does it work?

Emancipation is a legal process that frees a child who is between the ages of 14-17 from the custody and control of their parent(s) or guardian. Minors can be emancipated if they enter into a valid marriage, are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or have received a declaration of emancipation from a Court (Family Code Section 7002). The requirements to receive a declaration of emancipation include:

Child is at least 14 years old

Child willingly doesn’t live with his/her parents or guardian, and the parents or guardian are okay with this or are not actively trying to get the child back

Child manages his/her own finances

Child’s source of income is legal

Emancipation would be in the child’s best interests

For more information about the process of emancipation, click here. Also call LSC’s Warmline with any questions.